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From learning about the city’s centuries-long history to visiting restaurants, seniors have much to do around Charleston, South Carolina. The city’s cost of living is rather high compared to that of South Carolina, but several local options could help reduce daily expenses. In terms of the average cost of health care, for instance, Charleston is more affordable than that for the state. Medical care is easy to come by as Charleston is home to multiple hospitals, including MUSC Health University Medical Center, Roper Hospital and Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital. An estimated 15.4% of Charleston’s 150,000 residents are over age 65.
Seniors contemplating a move into one of Charleston’s several assisted living facilities should first be aware of what that entails. These facilities cater to seniors by providing services to help with various daily needs, from housekeeping to medical services and meal preparation, all within a community setting. For this level of care and convenience, seniors pay a monthly median of $3,945, which is $333 more than South Carolina’s $3,612 average.
This guide gets Charleston seniors started with assisted living information and provides information about potential local resources that can help lessen financial costs.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in South Carolina. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
There’s much to know about assisted living costs, starting with Charleston’s monthly median of $3,945. Compared to the national and state median as well as other cities across South Carolina, it falls on the higher end. Still, it’s not the costliest of the bunch.
The median assisted living monthly cost in Charleston is $3,945. While it’s $333 more than the state’s $3,612, it’s $555 less than the national $4,500 median.
Of the cities listed here, Charleston’s $3,945 median falls below only Myrtle Beach ($4,070) and Hilton Head Island ($4,500), the latter of which equals the national median. This makes the city $1,282 more than the least expensive option on the list: Sumter at $2,663. Rates in Columbia ($3,270) and Florence ($3,456) are among the least costly on the list, while Spartanburg ($3,600) and Greenville ($3,743) are closer to Charleston.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in South Carolina.
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(843) 953-6691 |
The College of Charleston Center for Creative Retirement offers retirees a chance to expand their knowledge and interact with others. Activities include weekly lectures, field trips and more. | |
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(843) 805-5507 |
The College of Charleston 60+ Tuition Exemption Program is available to individuals who meet certain program criteria, such as providing proper documentation and completing registration. There’s a registration fee for courses and possible other costs, but tuition is free for enrolled individuals who are 60+. | |
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(843) 724-7420 |
Bus riders who are 55+ pay a $1 fare with CARTA. Riders should have a valid ID on hand that shows their date of birth. Four days per year, on specific days, seniors can ride the bus for free. | |
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(843) 402-1990 |
Seniors can stay busy at the Waring Senior Center by participating in numerous classes and activities. Options may change, but possible selections include dance classes, computer access and exercise classes. The senior center is located on Henry Tecklenburg Drive. | |
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(843) 577-1306 |
The Mayor’s Office on Aging helps seniors throughout the Charleston area with many types of specific needs that may arise. There’s a strong focus on helping seniors receive relevant information about beneficial programs. | |
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(843) 990-5555 |
Set on James Island and open to individuals 50+, the Lowcountry Senior Center provides a range of activities. Some options may include a photography club, watercolor classes, dancing and chair volleyball. They also have a walking trail. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Charleston area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
